Doug Hempstead, QMI Agency

OTTAWA -- Three paramedics and two Ottawa police officers are recovering from injuries caused by an explosion during a training exercise Wednesday.

The accident happened around 10:07 a.m. at an abandoned house which was being used for forced-entry training, police Chief Charles Bordeleau said.

Two paramedics suffered serious burns and other injuries but are expected to recover. The other three personnel all received minor injuries.

Bordeleau said about 40 Ottawa police and RCMP tactical officers were conducting the training exercise with Ottawa tactical paramedics on hand for "support."

Training involved "forced-entry explosives," small charges used to help breach doors and windows, etc.

"This is practice they do on a regular basis," paramedic Chief Anthony Di Monte said at a media briefing.

The two most seriously injured paramedics were in serious condition in Ottawa hospital Wednesday afternoon.

Di Monte said in the case of explosions, like what happened Wednesday, people can breath in and suffer internal burns in the mouth and lungs, which was what is feared in this case. They did suffer burns, but Di Monte called the injured being intubated -- breathing tubes inserted into their throats -- a "precautionary" move.

Another paramedic suffered less serious injuries.

Di Monte has met with all the injured paramedics.

Numerous investigations have been launched, including SIU involvement because of the injuries to the paramedics.